Weinstein Company 'told to change name of The Butler'

The Weinstein Company has been told to change the title of its forthcoming historical drama The Butler.

Warner Bros won a rights claim over the name from the Motion Picture Association of America's Title Registration Bureau for its silent comedy short of the same title released in 1917.

According to Deadline, TWC has hired a top lawyer to appeal the decision.

In a statement, the company said: "The suggestion that there is a danger of confusion between TWC's 2013 feature movie and a 1917 short that has not been shown in theaters, television, DVDs, or in any other way for almost a century makes no sense.

"The award has no purpose except to restrict competition and is contrary to public policy."

Forest Whitaker leads the movie, based on a true story of a butler who serves the White House over eight presidencies.